Fortnite has unveiled a thrilling new mode, Ballistic, offering players an intense first-person tactical shooter experience. This update, now live and free to play through the Epic Games Store, brings a fresh take on competitive gameplay. Drawing inspiration from popular titles like Counter-Strike 2 and Call of Duty, Ballistic delivers strategic, round-based 5v5 action that demands skill and teamwork.
A closer look at Ballistic gameplay
In Ballistic, two teams face off with distinct objectives. The attacking team must plant a Rift Point Device, functioning as a bomb, at one of two designated sites on the map. The defending team’s mission is to prevent this or eliminate all attackers. With no respawns, each round ends when the bomb detonates is defused, or one team is wiped out. After six rounds, teams swap roles, and the first team to secure seven rounds wins the match.
This model is a no-build experience, meaning players cannot construct structures. However, you can bring your Fortnite Locker customisations, such as outfits and accessories, into the game. Certain items, including pickaxes, contrails, and vehicles, are excluded to maintain the tactical shooter theme.
Players are armed with a Ranger Pistol and 800 Credits at the start of every round. Credits are earned by achieving eliminations or completing objectives like planting the Rift Point Device. These Credits can then be spent on weapons and items at the beginning of each round. Players retain their purchased weapons and shields across rounds, although consumables like grenades are depleted once used. Dropped weapons and items from eliminated players can be collected or shared among teammates, adding another layer of strategy.
Flex Gadgets and tactical options
A defining feature of Ballistic is its Flex Gadgets—unique items for players to select at the start of the game. These gadgets include:
- Proximity Mine: Ideal for setting traps.
- Bubble Shield: Provides protective cover.
- Recon Grenade: Reveals enemy positions.
- Frag Grenade: Causes explosive damage.
- Impulse Grenade: Useful for displacing enemies.
Flex Gadgets must be purchased individually and cannot be shared with teammates. Their effective use can turn the tide of a match, making them critical tools in your arsenal.
Maps, modes, and ranking system
Ballistic debuts with the Skyline 10 map, a dynamic urban environment designed for tactical play. Developers have announced plans to introduce additional maps, weapons, and features in future updates, informed by player feedback.
The mode offers two ways to play: Unranked and Ranked.
- In Unranked, you can enjoy casual matches, with the game automatically replacing players who leave mid-match.
- In Ranked, expect a more competitive atmosphere. Performance is evaluated based on eliminations, assists, and rounds won, influencing your rank. Penalties apply for quitting ranked matches early.
How to start playing Ballistic
To dive into Fortnite’s Ballistic mode, launch Fortnite through the Epic Games Store. Select the Ballistic mode from the game menu, and you’re ready to begin. Whether you’re a casual gamer or a competitive shooter enthusiast, this latest update promises hours of tactical excitement.